TAGLines The Newsletter of the Theatre Arts Guild, Inc. – May 2004

Jennifer Gilg, President Mary Carrick, Chair/Editor www.theatreartsguild.com

Notes from the Editor…and a V8 by Mary Carrick

TAG It seems unreal that in the course of several days we would say goodbye to two greats. N IGHT O UT Norm Filbert and Bob Roberts were Mr. and Mr. TAG…before TAG was even TAG and MAG

was even MAG. Simply put, they believed that art is important and they worked hard at La Cage aux Folles creating and promoting it wherever they went and to whomever they met. Thursday, May 20 at 7:30 p.m. Chanticleer Theatre Norm and Bob had a lot in common – both were highly regarded actors, the best of the best, and performed together on numerous occasions. They were instrumental in the development

of the Metropolitan Arts Guild, which would later become the Theatre Arts Guild, working ______tirelessly to promote the live theatre experience. They were family men, married to women with incredible talents of their own and with whom they shared the stage, Norm often and Bob on occasion. Both were recipients of countless awards, including the TAG Lifetime I N T HIS I SSUE Achievement Award. Now, they each have an award named in their honor, which seems like a small gesture in comparison to the breadth of their contributions.

In Memorium Although I didn’t have the opportunity know Bob personally, over the past few weeks I’ve Dear Denny learned some really great things about him. I enjoyed visiting with his wife, Rosalee, who On Stage News shared with me some of her fond memories of Bob. She expressed how much he loved our

Auditions organization and how important the scholarship program was to him. One year when the fund was low, Bob made a generous donation just so at least one scholarship could be It’s A Good Thing awarded. Bob helped develop programs such as Preview Night and classes of all kinds, Taboo before theatres began offering their own. Rosalee also conveyed to me what an Theatre Planning Calendar accomplished musician he was. A lifelong lover of classical music, he performed for years with Opera Omaha. These were things I didn’t know about Bob, and now I’m glad I do. He was an artist through and through. ______

I only recently began getting to know Norm. Although a native Iowan, my roots are on the

EW EMBERS other side of the state. I’ve been in our community for a relatively short time….three years, I N M suppose, but compared to most of you I’m still a new kid on the block. But I remember vividly the first time I heard the name Norm. I asked, “who is this Norm person?”. After a silence Rodney Bennett that seemed like days I was informed that Norm is the theatre…the man. I got it…and from Jessica Delay that point on, whenever I knew Norm was in the audience my nerves were at their peak. I was a member of the club, albeit a rookie. After not too long I actually met Norm, pleading Ashleigh Larson inside that he wouldn’t tell me it was nice to see me on stage again, meaning I simply didn’t

Amber Parker hit the mark. I don’t believe he did that day, although it could have been under his breath. Mary Lou Ruh Like most of my current cast mates, I auditioned for La Cage aux Folles because I wanted to Robinlyn Sayers, MD work with Norm and I knew this may be my last chance. Unfortunately, we had only a bit of Terra Taylor time with him, but I’ll never forget the last words he said to me during our read through at the Mary Welsh hospital when I told him how nervous but excited I was to work with him. “Honey,” he said, Jacquelyn Wilke “you’ll do just fine….you’ll do just fine.” I hope so, Norm. I’m sure you’ll be watching.

Whitney Wilson Whether or not you believe in a heaven, a God or everlasting life, I think we all can agree that the spirits of Norm and Bob will always be with us. They will live in our organization and on our stages. They’ll live in those they touched - who will in turn, pass it along. And with that, the curtain will never fall. Bravo, Norm and Bob. We thank you and we will miss you. Page 1

On Stage News

Glengarry Glen Ross at *Baby D Barry Carman, Bernie Clark, Jessica Hutchinson, Bill Hutson, Melissa Through May 1 Jarecke Phyllis Mitchell-Butler, Lois Nemec, Dominic Nila-Maxwell, Baby D Productions located at 6124 Military Ave., is proud to present Jon Shaw, Max Sparber, Shane Staiger and Lucia Williams. David Mamet's brilliant comic drama Glengarry Glen Ross. Winner Hughston Walkinshaw, a founding member of the Blue Barn and of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1984, Glengarry Glen Ross, tells current Executive Director, directs the play. Vieux Carre runs through the tale of a group of cutthroat real estate salesmen who are May 9, 2004. Performances are Thursday - Sunday evenings at 7:30 competing against each other in a sales contest. First prize, for the p.m. Please note that the last show on Sunday May 9th will be a 2 top man on "The Board", is a new Cadillac. Offering a seldom seen p.m. matinee. Tickets are $15/Adults, $12/Students and Seniors and glimpse into the sometimes seemy side of sales, Mamet's work $10/TAG members and groups of ten or more. Call 345-1576 for crackles with fierce, frenetic dialogue. The play opens with three reservations. This play contains adult themes/situations and nudity vignettes in a Chinese restaurant as the men jockey to get their and not appropriate for children under 18. hands on the top leads, one way or another. The second act becomes a kind of "who done it", as we discover those top leads, the The *JBT Presents For Colored Girls Who Have Glengarry Highlands leads, have suddenly disappeared Glengarry Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf Glen Ross, stars Bill Wasse,, Cameron Van Cleave, Don Nguyen, Through May 9 John Carlson, Michael Coyle, Matthew David and Scott Fowler. The John Beasley Theater (JBT) and Malik Productions present Glengarry Glen Ross runs though May 1. Performances are at 8 Ntozake Shange’s For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays. When the Rainbow is Enuf, at the John Beasley Theater, through Tickets are $12 general admission; $10 students and seniors. For May 9. The theater is located inside the LaFern Williams Center at reservations or additional information, call 991-9155. *Please note: 3010 Q Street. This explosive vivid "choreopoem" illuminates the Note: This play contains considerable strong language and cigarette story and struggle of black women in America. Seven women smoking. comprise the cast sharing with the viewer their exuberance for life and their ability to begin again, no matter how ridiculous the odds. It The *Shelterbelt Theatre Presents is a dramatic elegy for black women with an undercurrent message for everyone. Its theme is not sorrow…but courage. Its strength is Marlin Perkins Under Glass Through May 9 its passion and its reality…an unforgettable collage of one woman’s Marlin Perkins Under Glass continues at the Shelterbelt Theatre view of the women of her race, facing everything from rape to through May 9, and the play focuses on an issue that many people in unrequited love. Wounds and dreams intermingle; strong passions the metro confront at some point – do I stay in Omaha or do I leave? melt into simple courage. Performances of For Colored Girls who “Marlin” is directed by Daena Schweiger and was written by Tim have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow are Thursdays through Kaldahl. Schweiger is the associate artistic director for the theatre; Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $18 for Kaldahl is on the theatre’s board of directors. “It’s a story about the adults, $15 for students with proper ID and $12 for seniors. Tickets Midwest and about living in your hometown,” Kaldahl said. “I think are available at Leola's Records, Homer's Music, The Rose Theatre everyone has to love and hate where they grew up. My hope is that and Import Village. Group rates are available. For ticket information, those feelings come across.” The plot of “Marlin” follows the choices call (402) 444-3446. Please note, this show contains material that a young office worker faces when a job offer promises to completely may not be suitable for children. upset the order of his life. And, yes, there is a character named

“Marlin” in the cast. The cast includes: Abby Gregor, Matt Kelehan, Denny Maddux, Jim Palmer, Dave Podendorf, Sarah Podendorf, and Noises Off at the *Playhouse Nora Vetter. “Marlin Perkins Under Glass” will run April 15 through Through May 9 May 9 at The Shelterbelt, 3225 California Street. Curtain is at 8 p.m. The Omaha Community Playhouse presents Noises Off on the on Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 6 p.m. Sunday. Tickets will be Mainstage through May 9. A farce within a farce, Noises Off takes $12 for adults and $10 for students, senior, and TAG members. For you behind the scenes of a third rate acting troupe's latest play. reservations, call 341-2757 or log onto www.shelterbelt.org. Directed by Carl Beck, the cast includes Kim Clark-Kaczmarek, Dennis Collins, Monty Eich, Michael McCandless, Jim McKain, Bridget Robbins, Karl Rohling, Theresa Sindelar and Beth Weindel. The *Blue Barn Presents Vieux Carre Stage managed by Jeanne Shelton, set design by Steve Wheeldon, Through May 9 lighting design by Anne Scheer and costumes designed by Lynne The Blue Barn Theatre is proud to present Vieux Carre by Ridge. Showtimes are Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Tennessee Williams. Written towards the end of his life, Vieux Carre and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. (no 6:30 performance on 5/9). is the most autobiographical play Williams wrote and tells the story of For reservations, please call the Box Office at 553-0800 or visit our his first experience in New Orleans' famed French Quarter. Set in website at www.omahaplayhouse.com. Group discounts available! 1938, this exquisite play focuses on Williams as a young man embarking on his writing career and on the various inhabitants of his dilapidated rooming house in the Vieux Carre. The cast includes Page 2

On Stage News

*Urban Prairie Puppet Company’s Peter Rabbit Omaha Theatre Company for Young People May 8 Presents Charlotte’s Web The Urban Prairie Puppet Company will play hide 'n seek with Peter Through May 16 Rabbit and Farmer McGregor on May 8 at 10:30 a.m. Peter Rabbit, The Omaha Theatre Company for Young People presents E.B. based on the Beatrix Potter story, will be the fifth show of the 2004 White's classic childhood masterpiece, Charlotte’s Web. Wilbur the season at the Grande Olde Players Theatre, 2339 N. 90th Street. pig, destined to be a ham, is saved by his dear and clever friend, This puppet show features table top puppets, a style of puppetry not Charlotte, when she spins "SOME PIG" in her web. Thanks to often seen in puppet productions. The puppeteers, Trish Place and Charlotte's quick thinking and Wilbur's sweet personality, the owner Brian Henning, are in full view of the audience as they manipulate the of the farm takes notice of this special pig. Through charismatic rascally Peter Rabbit and his family. So come and join in the spring animals and a picturesque view of farm life, Charlotte's Web shows time show and get psyched for the gardening season! For more the simple miracles of everyday life - birth and death; fear and hope; information, call Trish at 896-6662 or call 397-5262 for reservations. the passion of youth; and most especially, the power of friendship. Children must be accompanied by an adult for this performance. Suggested ages: 5 and older. Performances are Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $16 at the Rose Box Omaha Theatre Company for Young People – Office, (402) 345-4849; $14 online at www.rosetheater.org; and $12 at area Hy-Vee stores. Young Playwrights’ Festival April 29 – May 2 The Young Playwrights' Festival is an arrangement of different creative scenes and short plays written by Omaha-area teenagers. *Stages of Omaha Presents Evita Through the school year, these teenagers spend one day a week in Through May 30 the Playwriting class held at the Rose Theater, which is taught by the Stages of Omaha presents Evita, directed by Todd Uhrmacher. This Omaha Theater Company's resident playwright, Brian Guehring. Webber/Rice musical is a dynamic musical masterpiece about This class covers the entire writing process from idea generation to Argentina's controversial First Lady, Eva Peron, appearing on a local creation of a script, and through the rewrite phase. The class is Omaha stage for the first time in over 18 years. As an illegitimate designed to help improve the writing skills of students at all levels of fifteen-year-old, Eva escaped her dirt-poor existence for the bright experience. The most developed scenes from this class are selected lights of Buenos Aires. Driven by ambition and blessed with for full production, and will be showcased in this year's festival at The charisma, she was a starlet at twenty-two, the president's mistress at Rose. Performances are Thursday, April 29 at 7 p.m., Saturday, May twenty-four, First Lady at twenty-seven and dead at thirty-three. Eva 1 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 2 at 4:30 p.m. in the Hitchcock Theater Peron - saint to the working class, reviled by the aristocracy and at The Rose, 2001 Farnam Street. Tickets are $6 at the door. The mistrusted by the military - was destined to leave a fascinating festival is recommended for audience ages 10 and up. Call the Rose political legacy unique in the 20th century. Told through a compelling Box Office at 345-4849 for reservations or more information. score, Evita creates an arresting theatrical portrait, as complex as the woman herself. Twenty-Five years after it opened, this production The History of Bowling at the *Circle Theatre is still a thrilling musical spectacle to behold! EVITA stars Melanie Through May 15 Walters as Eva, with Ryan Pivonka, Myron Sikora, Tim Reilly, Emily The Circle Theater presents the comedy/drama The History of Greiss, Sarah Hernandez, Krystal Peteler, Randi Rieseen, Jurigta Bowling by Chicago playwright Mike Ervin. This dark comedy Tuckute, Jamie Welch, Rusty Perry, Ruben Sanchez, Kevin Steward, explores a young mans struggle to become independent after an Nicholas L. Walker and Aaron Wilhoft. The production runs Apr 29 - accident leaves him paralyzed from the neck down. After living with May 30, Thur. – Sat. at 7:30 pm and Sun at 2:30 pm. Tickets are his mother all of his life he decides to go to college and along the $15 adults, $12 students, senior citizens, military and TAG way he discovers that living independently has a lot of funny bumps, members. Reservations can be made calling (402) 345-8166 or twists and sharp turns. This funny and touching play will be directed online at www.stagesofomaha.com. by Jason Dorwart and continues through May 15 on Thursday,

Friday, and Saturday evenings. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with dinner served at 7 p.m. and the show starting at 8 p.m. Tickets for dinner and show are $22 and show only tickets are $12. Students and Need a special and unique item for an seniors receive a $2 discount. The menu entrees for this production upcoming show? include Italian chicken, K.C. steak strips and broccoli cheese quiche. Cheesecakes, cakes and beverages will also be available. The cast Is your forehead red from the brick wall? includes Jason Dorwart, Julie Kinkennon, Cullen Chollett and Shaun th We’ll help you get the word out. Green. The Circle Theatre is located at 726 South 55 Street in the lower level of the Central Presbyterian Church. For reservations and Send your request to TAGLines ! further information call Doug Marr at 553-4715 or e-mail us at [email protected].

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On Stage News

La Cage Aux Folles Takes Stage at the *Bellevue Little Theatre Stages The Gondoliers *Chanticleer May 21 – June 6 May 21 – June 26 The smash Broadway musical La Cage aux Folles opens May 21 at Bellevue Little Theatre will present the classic Gilbert and Sullivan Chanticleer Community Theater, running through June 6 with operetta The Gondoliers May 21 – June 6. Showtimes are 8 p.m. on performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday Friday and Saturday evenings and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are matinees at 2 p.m. Laureen Pickle is Musical Director; Debbie $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, and $7.50 for students. Reservations Kelley, Choreographer; and Michal Simpson, Stage Director. Cast may be made by calling 291-1554 between the hours of 10 am and 5 members include: Michal Simpson, J. Todd Reagan, Roger Bennett, pm Monday thru Friday. Gary Bosanek directs with music direction Trude Grosenbach, Jesse Cozad, Eduardo Millan, Amanda Rounds, by E. Thomas Harvey. Ted Roche will be producer and Mary Dew is Steven Knox, Tara Kennedy, Ron Osborn, Erik Nelson, Wai Yim, stage manager, assisted by Mike Neesen; Kim Grabenstein is Garret Higginbotham, Mallory Rennels, Therese Rennels, James accompanist and vocal coach; Patrick Roddy is choreographer; Tom Tobey, Liz Heim, Matt Yohe, Scott Fowler, Danielle Smith, Theresa Fleckten is set designer. Costumes are being done by Gary Bosanek Oberdofer, Fred Goodhew, Lynne Freyer-Socha, Al DiMauro, Mary and Joe Miloni. Jeremy Lubash is lighting technician, and Michael Carrick, Brandon Michalski and Deb Beck. The story line, most Samuelson is sound technician. This glorious romantic musical is set recently made into a movie titled The Bird Cage, involves a couple in the 1750s, and is filled with intrigue, spirited dance, and festive who own a transvestite bar in the South of France and the costumes---not to mention wonderful music. Approximately twenty “accidental” son of one of them who returns home to announce years before the action begins, two infants were married---a young wedding plans. The problem arises when the future in-laws, girl Casilda and the heir to the throne. The young bridegroom is extremely right wing politicians, come to meet Jean-Michel’s parents, abducted, and susbsequently his "wife's" father, the duke of Plaza- gay lovers who not only own the night club but are female Toro, is attempting to establish his daughter as Queen. The family impersonators as well. Adapted from a popular classic French play, group travels to Venice, accompanied a young drummer Luiz, who is “La Cage” won the 1984 Tony Award and includes such popular secretly in love with the young Casilda. The search for the missing songs as “I Am What I Am” and “The Best of Times.” For ticket husband and the fun begin. The cast includes: Sherrie Bateman, information, contact the theater at 323-9955. A TAG Night Out will Gary Bosanek, Vik Dainauskas, John Dart, Susan Delavan, Matthew be held Thursday, May 20. Dewell, Richard Feltrow, Tom Fleckten, John Gallop III, Michael Gangitano, Lesley Gould, Charles Hill, Alice George Holmes, Kami Stepping Out at the *Omaha Community Horton, Dianne Jones, Jeff Kadavy, Andy Melichar, Brandon Miller, Joe Miloni, William Musgrave, Rob Persing, Justin Potter, Laura Playhouse April 30 – May 30 Randall, Ruth Rath, Jamie Reimer, Victoria Roche, Chanel Seeman, The Omaha Community Playhouse presents Stepping Out April 30- Anne Soderlund, Melissa Solomon, Mary Sorensen, Ian Stanek, May 30 in the Howard Drew Theatre. Stepping Out is a good-natured Megan Van Alstine, Cindy Vanek, Sara Wachter, Camellia Watkins, comedy about an adult dance class. Get to know these dancers as Robert Williams, and Morgan Wise. they prepare for a benefit for the "Save the Children Fund". Directed by guest artist Anthony Clark-Kaczmarek, the cast includes Connie Lee, Gordon Krentz, Lindsay Lashier, Debbie Cline, Kay Clark, ______Christine Schwery, Deborah Radloff, Sarah Nielsen, Gary Wallace, Shari Hoelker and Danielle Steube (understudy). Choreography by TAGLines Deadline: Friday, May 14 Roxanne Nielsen, scenic design by Bill Van Deest, sound design by John Gibilisco, lighting design by Steve Wheeldon, costume design ______by Georgiann Regan, and stage managed by Lara Marsh with assistance from Wesley Houston. Performance times are Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 and Sundays at 2:00. Tickets range from $10 (student) - $22 (adult) depending on day. Group discounts also available. For reservations, please call the Box Office at (402) 553- Retirement Reception for Jim Delmont.

0800 or visit our website at www.omahaplayhouse.com. A no-host cocktail party will be held on Monday, May 24 from 5 - 7 p.m., at the Omaha Community Playhouse, to recognize the ______contributions Jim Delmont has made to the local theater community over the past 16 years. Jim, who will retire from the TAG members come in all shapes, Omaha World Herald this month, has given positive support to sizes, talents and interests. Help us many theaters with his reviews and publicity articles. A memory grow our membership by book will be created for Jim at the reception. Bring a letter, note, program or photgraph for the book if you wish. For more introducing your friends, co- information, call Manya Nogg at (402) 397-8887 or Lew Hunter workers, students or the guy at (402)879-3617. at the meat counter to TAG! Page 4

On Stage News

*Dundee Dinner Theatre’s Back to Bacharach and David Through May 23 Truly Terrific Theatres The music of Burt Bacharach and Hal David, pop giants of the 60’s and 70’s, bursts onto the Dundee Dinner Theatre stage with Back to The Shelterbelt: Roll Your Own Role Bacharach and David. Conceived by actress/director Kathy Najimy By Barb Ross and actor/arranger Steve Gunderson, the show contains favorites such as The Look of Love, Do You Know the Way to San Jose, What can be more exciting (and, perhaps, frightening) than to be Close to You, Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head and What the the first person to bring a character to life? The first person to World Needs Now, just to name a few. The Dundee Dinner Theatre work with the playwright and director to bring soul and dimension production features well-known Omaha performers Keith Allerton, to a role. And if by chance the play is published – having your Beth Asbjornson, Camille Metoyer Moten and Rebecca Noble. As name in the original cast list. The best place in town to have that members of the Cabaret Theatre they have toured throughout opportunity is at the Shelterbelt, where they produce at least one Nebraska and the Midwest. The pianist for the production is Jennifer full-length original script and two sets of vignette productions Novak Naar. The production runs through May 23 with performances each year. Thursday – Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Due to other performance commitments, there will be no performance May 13-16. Nothing is more fun than being a part of either Shelterskelter, the An optional, reservations-only dinner is available Fridays and annual Halloween fare, or From Shelterbelt with Love, the Saturdays at 7 p.m. Ticket prices range from $13.50 - $24.95. Valentine’s Day offering. There you get to do several different Group rates are available for parties of 20 or more. For information characters in vignettes from the ridiculous to the sublime. The and reservations, please call the Dundee Dinner Theatre at (402) casts always have a delightful mix of old timers and new comers, 558-8535. the audiences have a fun-filled evening, and, more likely than not, you’ll have a chance to work with several directors. No *Dundee Dinner Theatre Hot Dog Matinee: The matter what your experience level – you may think you’re just Three Little Pigs Through May 22 having a ball – but you are really stretching. It’s harder than you Playing through May 22 is the newest Hot Dog matinee, The Three think to develop a character in a 10 to 15 minute piece. Little Pigs. Directed by Christopher Violett, the play is a retelling of the traditional fairy tale in an interactive setting with audience The original tenant of the space at 33rd and California, Shelterbelt participation. The children’s program at the Dundee is billed as now shares the space with SNAP! Productions. This appears to “theatre by kids for kids,” featuring teen and young adult actors who be a match made in heaven. Both have increased their audience tailor the show for children ages 3-10. the production runs Saturdays base by alternating productions. Each brought to the party their at noon with an optional reservations only lunch at 11:30 a.m. For unique audience regulars, who now, because of the consistent information and reservations, please call the Dundee Dinner Theatre quality of both companies, come to see the next production – at 558-8535. whether it be Shelterbelt or SNAP! Production staff and ______performers, who once may have had an affiliation with one or the other, now cross over regularly. And while very different in Pickle Studio Recital mission and material, they share the welcoming, energetic and The voice students of Dr. D. Laureen Pickle will present their Spring fun qualities. studio recital on Saturday, May 8 at the North Side Christian Church. The program will begin at 4 p.m. with a reception following in the And, yes, Joe, they offer a lot of juicy old broad roles, too. And fellowship hall. All are welcome to attend and there is no admission. sometimes even let an old broad do a role originally written for ______someone much younger (hey, if it’s never been done before – who’s to know?).

Barb’s Drawback: Because of the limited parking, you must

nightly make the hard decision – do I park nearby or do I leave

It’s A Good Thing: the choice parking places for the audience members?

Remembering & appreciating Next Month: TBA. Have you done shows at a Truly Terrific the contributions Norm TAG member theatre that hasn’t been spotlighted? We want to Filbert and Bob Roberts made spotlight member theatres first – and I haven’t had the to our theatre community. opportunity to perform at all of them. If you’d like to do an article

on one I’ve missed – notify me at [email protected].

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The Green Room

News of our People

Bill Campbell’s Play Chosen Auditions & More Auditions Local Omaha playwright Bill Campbell’s ten-minute play, Better ______Living Through Reincarnation has been selected as a winner in Heartland Theatre Company's Third Annual 10-Minute Play Festival The Shelterbelt: The Last Five Years and will be produced to run from June 3rd to June 26 at the The Shelterbelt will be holding auditions for it's summer musical Heartland Theatre in Normal, Illinois. More information can be found The Last Five Years. A contemporary song-cycle musical that on their site at http://www.heartlandtheatre.org/tenminute.html ingeniously chronicles the five year life of a marriage, from meeting to break-up... or from break-up to meeting, depending on how you & Other Good Stuff look at it. Written by Jason Robert Brown (Parade, Songs For A New World), The Last Five Years is an intensely personal look at the relationship between a writer and an actress told from both Accompanist Needed for TAG Awards points of view. Auditions will be held on Monday May 17 at 7 p.m. & An accompanist is needed for the 2004 TAG Awards to be held on Tuesday May 18 at 7 p.m. with a possible call back audition on August 8 at the Holiday Inn Convention Center. Responsibilities will Wednesday May 19 at the Shelterbelt/SNAP Theatre located at include providing accompaniment for the opening number, nominated 3225 California Street. We are casting for one man and one songs and scholarship winners as well as background music. The woman in their late 20s. The show will run July 9 to August 1. individual will need to be available for several rehearsals. Performers are asked to sing two contrasting songs 16-32 bars in Compensation will include $100 and a complimentary ticket and length each. Piano accompaniment will be provided. For further dinner to the Awards Banquet. Contact Liz Heim at (402) 552-9326. questions, please contact Don Nguyen at (402) 681-9786.

Chanticleer Seeks Director Mills Masquers: Pippin Chanticleer is looking for a Director for its January 2005 production of Mills Masquers announce auditions for the musical Pippin to be A Chorus Line. Interested parties may email resumes to held Sunday, May 23 and Monday, May 24 at 7 p.m. Auditions will [email protected] of mail to: Chanticleer Theater; Attn: be held at the Barton Theatre located 1 mile north of Glenwood, IA Production; 830 Franklin Avenue; Council Bluffs, IA 51503 on US Highway 275. Be prepared to sing a 1 minute vocal selection, read from script, and learn a simple dance combination. The cast requires several males/females (approx. 16 years and Shelterbelt Script Submissions older). Performance dates are August 6 – 8 and 13 – 15, 2004. The Shelterbelt Theatre is currently accepting submissions for it's Pippin will be directed by Melissa Chapman and produced by Jon annual Halloween production of Shelterskelter. Scripts can either be Coover. Pippin features an energetic pop-influenced score by monologues or one-act plays, and must not exceed 12 minutes in Stephen Schwartz with many show-stopping song and dance length. The script submission deadline is July 1, 2004. For guidelines on how to submit scripts to the Shelterbelt, please visit numbers. The story tells of young Prince Pippin, (whose father is King Charlemagne the Great) searching for the true meaning of our website at www.shelterbelt.org or send us an email at happiness. He looks for happiness through glories on the [email protected]. battlefield, in the temptations and desires of the flesh, and in political intrigue and power. The show opened in October 1972, Shelterbelt Production Staff Positions and is still captivating audiences today. The Shelterbelt Theatre is currently accepting production staff applications for its upcoming production of Shelterskelter. The positions they are looking to fill are: Producer, Stage Directors (2-3), Stage Manager, Set Designer, Lighting Designer, Props Designer,

Taboo: Costume Designer, and Media Designer. Please note these are volunteer positions, not paid positions. If you are interested, please

contact [email protected] and we will send you an application form. During rehearsal, it’s polite to The application deadline will be July 1, 2004. refrain from chatting with your neighbor while others are blocking, reading or singing. Iris and Ruby Productions Announces Cabaret Talk is fine, but take it The Max Cabaret Series and Iris and Ruby Productions announce outside, please. their upcoming cabaret production, Our Time to be held June 14 & 15 at The Max. Look for more information in the June issue of

TAGLines. Page 8

The Green Room

& More Good Stuff Dear Denny, TAG Scholarship Winners Announced Words of advice and insight from Auditions for the 2004 TAG Scholarship were held at the Omaha one from one of Omaha’s most Community Playhouse on April 4, 2004. From a group of 13 respected thespians talented applicants, the selection committee awarded $1000 scholarships to Dan Beard, Christopher Violett, Brittyn Reid, and Rodney Bennett. Each of these students will be featured at the 2004 Dear Denny, TAG Awards Ceremony in August. You seem to be older than dirt and know a lot of people in the theatre community. What can you tell me about the late, great Special thanks go to Tom Reardon, Jan Reardon, Roxanne Wach, Norm Filbert? Dan Wach, James Tobey, and Todd Brooks for serving as judges for this year’s scholarship auditions, to Amanda Link for organizing the Signed, project, and to everyone who donated to the TAG Scholarship Fund. Missing the Man TAG couldn’t do this without you! Dear Nothing's NORMal without Him, The Last Session Creators Return for SNAP!FEST 2004 I had the pleasure of doing my first work in the area with NF, Some people go searching and find God. Some go searching and find Ethel Merman. And some have the talent and inspiration to when he directed me in Our Town. I played the town. They combine those searches in a funny and affecting musical. Steve should have based the play Master Class after the guy, since Schalchlin and Jim Brochu’s The Big Voice: God or Merman? is the everyone got a mini-doctorate in theatre during rehearsals. musical being showcased at this year’s SNAP!fest 2004: 6th Annual Harvey should never be performed in the area again. With his New Works Festival. passing, the rabbit died. Yet, his legacy will live on stage, thanks to the gifts he gave us all. ______From Steve Schalchlin and Jim Brochu, the creators The Last Session, comes another musical that will have you laughing through Dear Denny: tears. The Big Voice: God or Merman? is a mesmerizing blend of nostalgia, wit, one-liners, sarcasm, tragedy and silliness (plus a Ever since I stopped sleeping with the stage manager she's single costume change that guarantees laughs). been messing with my props during my show. I've been meaning to bring it up with the director, but he's married to the SNAP! Productions is proud to workshop this piece in Omaha as it stage manager. I'd rather not discuss it with the music director, prepares for a possible Broadway run. Having already garnered since we've been dating for awhile now and it doesn't seem to be major awards including the LA Drama Critic Circle award for Best a good time to let her know I've been two timing her. My dresser Musical Score in 2002, Steve and Jim will be performing this helped me get through last weekend, but I'm ready to dump her autobiographical piece themselves. Steve and Jim tell all! Faith for the ingenue. They're all so unprofessional. What should I meets show biz in this hysterically funny “solo for two” about two gay do? men--a Catholic from Brooklyn and a Baptist from Texas--who pursue religion, find theatre, fall in love, fall apart, put their lives back Signed, together and sing about it. Epiphanies possible, laughter guaranteed! Sleepless in Shelterbelt

Dear Slutee at the _ _ T, The Big Voice: God or Merman? will run from June 3 through June 20, 2004, at the SNAP/Shelterbelt Theatre at 3225 California Street. First of all, do I look like Dr. Laura to you? This is a case for a

Doctor - and I don't mean one by the name of Phil. Drop In conjunction with SNAP!Fest2004, a staged reading of The Last whomever you’re doing and convince the director to produce Session will be presented on June 8, with proceeds benefiting North Streetcar. Your cast will be up for the challenge. Side Christian Church who provides rehearsal space and other generous support to SNAP! Productions.

Look for more information in the June issue of TAGLines, on Nominations Night: www.snapproductions.com or contact Jennifer Gilgat (402) 551- July 6 at 7 p.m., Rick’s 6284. Boatyard Café. Page 9

The Green Room

& More & More Good Stuff Waiting for Guffman

quotes for May: Awards Honor Filbert and Roberts

This April, TAG lost two of members of its family: Norm Filbert and Robert (Bob) Roberts. Both men were with the organization “ Some people find it ironical that during its infancy as the Metropolitan Actors Guild (MAG), and although we run a travel agency, we've both were later made lifetime members of TAG. Their passing has left a void that few can hope to fill. never been outside of Blaine.”

A spotlight on each of these important men is included in this newsletter. However, because Norm and Bob gave so much to - Ron Albertson our theatre community, the TAG Board recently voted to honor them in a more permanent way. As of this year, the TAG Board Appreciation Award will be renamed the Bob Roberts TAG Board “It's a Zen thing, like how many babies fit Appreciation Award. The TAG Lifetime Member Award will in a tire.” hereafter be named the Norman and Louise Filbert Lifetime Member Award. These awards are presented annually at the - Corky St. Clair TAG Awards Banquet. Through these awards, we hope that the legacy of Norm Filbert and Bob Roberts will live on. We won’t forget them! “He's teaching me to change my instincts... or at least ignore them.” TAG Announces Scott Jackman Post-Graduate Scholarship Program In its continuing effort to support our vibrant theatre community, - Sheila Albertson TAG is pleased to announce the inception of a post-graduate scholarship for persons pursuing either a masters or doctorate degree in one of the theatre arts. This new scholarship will bear the name of Scott Jackman, a former TAG President who passed away a year ago. A committee has been formed to establish application procedures and criteria, and the first scholarship will be awarded in the fall of 2004. Watch for further details in upcoming issues of TAGLines.

Donations Sought for Theatre Student Jason Dorwart Jason B. Dorwart, a 2002 graduate of Creighton University and active contributor to our theatre community, will soon be attending summer classes at the Gaiety Theatre School of Acting in Dublin, Ireland. As many of you know, Jason is a quadriplegic who needs help with daily tasks and medical care. While the costs of his attendant care are covered by insurance in the United States, in Europe he will have to pay for them himself at the rate of approximately $125 a day. He is seeking financial help from others who appreciate the sacrifices required to pursue a love of theatre.

If you would like to help Jason live out his dream of studying in Ireland, please send your contribution to him in care of:

Dr. Michael Carroll, Assistant Professor Office 104 Annex 24; University of Nebraska at Omaha

6001 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68182

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Theatre Planning Calendar

May 2004 28 29 30 1 2 5 6 7 8 9 12 13 14 15 16 19 20 21 22 23 26 27 28 29 30 W Th F Sa Su W Th F Sa Su W Th F Sa Su W Th F Sa Su W Th F Sa Su Marlin Perkins Under Glass – * Shelterbelt Theatre Vieux Carre – * Blue Barn Theatre Young Playwrights’ Festival – Omaha Theatre Company for Young People Noises Off! – * Omaha Community Playhouse For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf - * John Beasley Theatre Young Playwrights’ Festival – Omaha Theatre Company for Young People

Peter Rabbit - * Urban Prairie Puppet Company TNO History of Bowling – Circle Theatre Charlotte’s Web – Omaha Theatre Company for Young People Evita – * Stages of Omaha La Cage aux Folles – * Chanticleer Theatre TNO Stepping Out – * Omaha Community Playhouse The Gondoliers – * Bellevue Little Theatre Back to Bacharach and David –* Dundee Dinner Theatre The Three Little Pigs - * Dundee Dinner Theatre

Black Boxes denote closing dates.

TNO denotes a Tag Night Out.

Page 12 PRESORTED STANDARD Theatre Arts Guild, Inc. U.S. POSTAGE P.O. Box 24008 PAID Omaha, NE 68124-0008 OMAHA, NE www.theatreartsguild.com PERMIT NO 1024

May 2004

Your newsletter is sent bulk mail and not forwarded. Keep your address current!

Send changes to:

TAG c/o Barb Ross 9035 Raven Oaks Drive Omaha, NE 68152 [email protected]

TAG Board of Directors & General Information

Steve Adair, Past President, Ex-officio 551-5687 Denny Maddux (2005), TAG Night Out Chair 256-1535

Tom Bertino, Webmaster, Ex-officio 572-7971 D. Laureen Pickle (2006) 391-2414 Mary Carrick (2004), Newsletter Chair/Ed. 344-3257 Connie Jo Podendorf (2004), Recording Sec. 322-7504 Gary Emenitove, TAG E-Broadcast, Ex-officio Therese Rennels (2004), Curtain Cash Chair 391-3944

Jo Gaver (2005), Corresponding Secretary 397-6052 Bob Roberts, Historian, Ex-officio 493-4490 Jennifer Gilg (2004), President 551-6284 Ted Roche (2006), Treasurer 292-3781 Rhonda Hall (2004), Programs Chair 551-4904 Barb Ross (2006), Membership Chair 571-8311 Liz Heim, Awards Chair (2006) 552-9326 Daena Schweiger (2006) 861-8637

Melissa Jarecke (2005), Public Relations Chair 592-3124 Chris Violett (2003-2004), Teen Rep/Chair 493-4285 Michael Krohn (2005) 898-0776 Don Wieczorek (2004), Theatre Services Chair 558-3465 Amanda Link (2005), Scholarship Chair 492-8252

· The next TAG Board Meeting will be held Saturday, May 8, 2004 at 10 a.m. at the Omaha Community Playhouse. · Board meetings are held the second Saturday of each month. All TAG Members are welcome and encouraged to attend. Please call Jennifer Gilg at (402) 551-6284 if you plan to attend. · The final DEADLINE for items, articles and advertisements for the June Newsletter is Friday, May 14, 2004. · To submit newsletter information/articles, send via email to [email protected] or mail to Mary Carrick, 4207 Shirley Street, Omaha, NE 68105. · To advertise in TAGLines contact us. Our rates cover both inserted flyers (which you supply) and printed advertisements. Check out our advertising rates at www.theatreartsguild.com. Non-members may only advertise theatre-related business. · To sign up for members-only access at www.theatreartsguild.com, send an email to [email protected]. · An e-broadcast service is available for newsworthy information that is not included in the TAGLines or urgent information pertaining to date changes, cancellations and/or auditions. For questions regarding TAG E-broadcasts, contact Mary Carrick.

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